Fighting fires in an era of multi-billion dollar budget deficits and cuts can be tricky business. California’s $182 million emergency fund, created for fighting wildfires, was already half-depleted on August 24th and the state’s budget cuts forced the delay of purchase of equipment and the cancellation of a contract for DC-10 water-dropping aircraft. However, state officials claim that no expense will be spared in fighting fires—can the same be said when the next round of Santa Ana-fueled fires hit in the Fall?
With close to 40,000 acres burned in late August, with high temperatures but no wind, there are ominous signs that the coming Santa Ana season might be particularly bad for Southern California’s perennial wildfires. The La Canada Flintridge area hadn’t burned in over 40 years before the Station fire, and the usual confluence of extreme drought, human development and climate change was the perfect mix for a huge fire. How much worse will things get by October when the winds start blowing?
Since the Station Fire began the Humane Society has taken in moe than 250 animals and are in emergency mode with full staff at the ready. The Humane Society is capable of taking in any type of animal.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry says Turkey and Armenia have agreed to establish diplomatic ties. Ministry spokesman Burak Ozugergin says the neighboring countries agreed to start discussions leading to agreements for setting up and developing relations for the first time. Ozugergin told The Associated Press on Monday that the negotiations should last for six weeks. He said Turkey and Armenia had reached agreement on setting up ties through mediation by Switzerland.
While the California State Senate rather quickly passed a controversial plan to help trim $1.2 billion from the state’s prison system, as part of the overall budget cuts, the Assembly has been content to take its time considering a broad prison-release program to achieve those budget savings. Today looks to be the day of reckoning for the Assembly as it’s due to vote on everything from prisoner releases to changes in sentencing standards, and probably make some very unpopular decisions in the process. Can budget savings in prisons be achieved without releasing dangerous criminals back on the streets?
What are your stories? Have you ever been evacuated because of a fire? Are your children being kept home today because of the poor air quality? Call us and share your experience.
Patt Morrison is known for its innovative discussions of local politics and culture, as well as its presentation of the effects of national and world news on Southern California.
